John Thomas Hickerson

Colleyville - John T. Hickerson was born on December 3, 1951 in Shreveport, LA. He married the love of his life, Kathy J. Allen in 1972. He passed away suddenly but peacefully at home, leaving a huge hole in our hearts, none bigger than that of his wife of 52 years. A celebration of his life will be held at Compass Church, in Colleyville TX, on Tuesday October 15, 2024 at 11 am.

John was extraordinarily successful in all he attempted. From a great basketball career at Centenary College in Shreveport, LA, to his long-standing and impressive career in the freight industry. John began his career learning the ins and outs of the industry working nights on the freight dock at Roadway Express. He gained respect through his years of hard work, rising in the CF/Con-Way (now XPO) company to President and CEO. From Con-Way, he went on to serve as President of Roadway Regional Group, Vice President of BNSF Railway, CEO of Pacer Transport, COO of Frozen Food Express Industries (FFE). He then started Global Net Logistics (now Rhenus), serving as CEO until his retirement in 2021. John had many talents, and by far his greatest gift was leadership and hard work. He did not shy away from any challenge.

As John eased into retirement, he found more time for golf, friends, and family. He began many hobbies with his wife Kathy. One of his favorites was their weekly outings to the shooting range. He prioritized making the most of time spent with his family, after a long career filled with many personal sacrifices to give his family a wonderful life. There was nothing more important to him than his family, and he treated his friends as family members as well. His greatest joy was attending his very athletic grandchildren’s various sporting events, and he and Kathy ran all over Texas and afar to see as many games as they could. With all his success, he was most successful as “Hondo” to his grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents Alfred A. and Evelyn Ruth Hickerson of Louisiana, and his father-in-law, John A Allen also of Louisiana.

John is survived by his wife Kathy, his daughter Kelley Hickerson Edler (husband Chris) of Georgetown TX, his son, John “JT” Hickerson, Jr. His Grandchildren Madison Edler of Denver, CO, Sarah Edler of Phoenix, AZ, Jack Hickerson of Waco, TX, and Lila Hickerson of Corinth, TX, as well as Shelly Smith Hickerson (mother of Jack and Lila), and his mother-in-law, Margaret Allen of Bossier City, LA, and brother-in-law, Michael Allen of Bossier City, LA.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Compass Church – Colleyville (https://pushpay.com/g/mycompasschurch/) in memory of John Hickerson.

The family wants to acknowledge the amazing support and love felt from friends, family, and co-workers. It is clear John touched far too many lives to count. He will be missed.

A Celebration of Life for John will be held Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Compass Church, 2600 Hall Johnson Road, Colleyville, TX 76034.